Things to do in Carlsbad

Activities, attractions and tours

Carlsbad Caverns National Park featuring caves
Carlsbad Caverns National Park showing caves
Carlsbad Caverns National Park which includes caves
Photo provided by National Parks Service/Peter Jones
Photo provided by National Parks Service/Peter Jones
Photo provided by National Parks Service/Peter Jones
Photo provided by National Parks Service/Peter Jones

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What to do in Carlsbad

Popular places to visit

Carlsbad Caverns National Park featuring caves as well as an individual male

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

See the wondrous geologic formations in a vast underground cavern system. Cave facilities offer easy walks or adventurous climbs and crawls.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Sitting Bull Falls

Sitting Bull Falls

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Sitting Bull Falls during your travels in Carlsbad. Amble around the area's parks or seek out its hiking trails.

Sitting Bull Falls

Carlsbad Caverns National Park Visitor Center

Explore the great outdoors at Carlsbad Caverns National Park Visitor Center, a lovely green space in Carlsbad. Discover the area's desert landscape and seek out the hiking trails.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park Visitor Center

Carlsbad Water Park

Have a fun-filled day with the family at Carlsbad Water Park during your visit to Carlsbad. Discover the area's desert landscape and seek out the hiking trails.

Carlsbad Water Park

Lake Carlsbad Recreation Area

Explore the great outdoors at Lake Carlsbad Recreation Area, a lovely green space in Carlsbad. Discover the desert landscape and mountain views in this walkable area.

Lake Carlsbad Recreation Area

Pecos River Flume

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Pecos River Flume during your travels in Carlsbad. Discover the area's desert landscape and mountain views.

Pecos River Flume

Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park

Why not meet the animals who call Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park home during your travels in Carlsbad? Discover the area's desert landscape and mountain views.

Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park

Carlsbad Medical Center

If Carlsbad Medical Center is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of Carlsbad.

Carlsbad Medical Center

Lake Carlsbad Golf Course

Enjoy a round of golf in Carlsbad at Lake Carlsbad Golf Course. Discover the desert landscape and mountain views in this walkable area.

Lake Carlsbad Golf Course

Frequently asked questions

Is Carlsbad worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Carlsbad is visit Carlsbad Water Park. Check this top sight off your itinerary, then experience more of the area's nature and culture.
How do I spend a day in Carlsbad?
Carlsbad Water Park and Lake Carlsbad Recreation Area are two good places to start your getaway adventures. Be sure to explore the shopping and dining options in Carlsbad while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Carlsbad?
Carlsbad Water Park is one of the top tourist attractions in Carlsbad and should feature high on every to-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Carlsbad?
Three days will be plenty of time to check out some popular city sights, such as Carlsbad Water Park, Lake Carlsbad Recreation Area and Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park. The average stay in Carlsbad is two days. If you have the urge to extend your escape, Artesia isn't far away.
Is Carlsbad a walkable city?
It all depends on what you want to do and see in Carlsbad. Several leading attractions, such as Carlsbad Water Park, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander through one of Carlsbad's cool neighbourhoods, Carlsbad North is 3 kilometres away from the city centre.
What are some activities to do in Carlsbad with kids?
Deciding what to do in Carlsbad with kids has never been simpler. Whether you have little ones or teenagers, there are loads of family-friendly sights and activities to keep everyone busy here.
What to do in Carlsbad for adults?
From fantastic food and cultural highlights to outdoor activities and unique experiences, there are loads of exciting things to do in Carlsbad for adults.
Are there free things to do in Carlsbad?
One of the simplest ways to find free things to do in Carlsbad is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on exciting neighbourhoods, parks and other top attractions you can visit without reaching for your wallet. Lake Carlsbad Recreation Area is one spot that doesn't charge an admission fee.